News Summary
San Antonio experienced devastating severe storms and flooding, claiming at least 13 lives. The catastrophic weather event brought record rainfall, causing severe flooding and significant infrastructure damage. Emergency services responded heroically to numerous distress calls as the community grapples with the aftermath. City officials are now calling for increased investments in infrastructure to prevent future disasters amidst ongoing climate challenges.
San Antonio Faces Tragedy Following Severe Storms and Flooding
San Antonio endured devastating severe storms and flooding on Thursday, June 12, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 13 lives. The catastrophic weather event produced record rainfall, with the city receiving 6.37 inches of rain, marking the highest daily rainfall since May 25, 2013, and the 10th rainiest day in the city’s history.
Immediate Impact of the Storm
The storms unleashed high water flooding that severely affected lower-level sections of I-35 near Austin Highway, as well as roadways across the city. San Antonio police and firefighters began receiving distress calls from stranded residents at approximately 4:15 a.m. on Thursday.
Reports indicated that high waters swept away 15 vehicles from the Loop 410 access road into a nearby creek. The San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) responded heroically to the crisis, rescuing ten stranded individuals from trees and bushes, with some needing assistance up to one mile from where they entered the water. In total, the SAFD addressed over 200 weather-related calls, which included 70 water rescues and 24 major accidents.
During the peak of the storm, approximately 30,000 residents experienced power outages, according to CPS Energy, further complicating the conditions on the ground.
Casualties and Community Efforts
The storm resulted in tragic fatalities, with the bodies of all missing individuals being recovered, although one body remains unidentified. Of the confirmed fatalities, 11 bodies were found in the Perrin Beitel search area, with others located several miles upstream and in the Highway 90 Leon Creek area. The Medical Examiner’s office has since identified several victims, leaving a community grappling with ongoing grief and tragedy.
Calls for Infrastructure Improvements
In the wake of the flooding, city council members convened to discuss the pressing need for increased investment in infrastructure to prevent similar tragedies in the future. District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez emphasized the critical need for equitable investments prioritizing community safety.
District 10 Councilman Marc Whyte voiced concerns about the need to prioritize infrastructure improvements, arguing that resources should be directed towards this essential work rather than new projects such as Project Marvel, a proposed downtown sports and entertainment district.
Precinct 4 Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert stressed the urgent requirement for practical action to enhance road and waterway safety measures, aimed at preventing further loss of life during flooding events.
Historical Context and Ongoing Challenges
San Antonio has a history of significant flood events, which have led to modifications in flood control infrastructure and shifts in urban planning. These past disasters highlight the ongoing challenges the city faces in managing water-related hazards amidst changing climate dynamics.
As concerns mount regarding budget priorities in light of these climate-related challenges, city officials will need to navigate the fine line between development and necessary safety investments to protect the community from future tragedies.
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Additional Resources
- KSAT News: San Antonio Floods
- Wikipedia: Natural Disaster
- KOAM News Now: San Antonio Floods Update
- Google Search: San Antonio Floods
- Express News: Tornado Watch
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Floods
- KENS5: Power Outage in San Antonio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- Statesman: Weather Alert Systems
- Google News: San Antonio Weather Alert
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
